"Surry of Eagle's Nest"
by John Esten Cooke
(New York),1866.
In a time when glaring realism is considered fashionable, some may consider the plot of Surry of Eagles's Nest to be a bit romanticized, possibly naive. But I prefer, like Ashley Wilkes, to keep a nostalgic eye on the time when words like honor and chivalry were used conversationally. This book gave me a privileged view into such a world.
What a blessing that John Esten Cooke, already an established novelist, should serve on Stuart's staff as Ordnance Officer! Through his eyes we get an extraordinary picture of the men who were the heart and soul of the Army of Northern Virginia. From his first impression of Jackson, through the tragic days after Chancellorsville, Cooke weaves a tale rich in anecdote that covers the broad spectrum of human emotion.
The most fascinating thing about this book (as I'm sure all members of JPHA will agree) are the glowing descriptions of John Pelham. Cooke brings to light the many facets that make his memory sparkle like a diamond.
I found the chapter, "How Pelham Fought" most inspiring. It alludes to the strong bond between John Pelham and his men that makes the scene following the Battle of Fredericksburg even more moving.
This book is an absolute gem that gives rare insight into the colorful personalities of the Confederacy's finest soldiers. A review on such a classic work may be redundant, but if there's anyone who hasn't read it yet, I strongly recommend you locate a copy. It has definitely made my "books to memorize" list.
Editor's Note: Dr. Atkinson Pelham had an opinion of "Surry of Eagle's Nest". He wrote Mr. Powhatan Lockett of Marion, Alabama, a former West Point classmate of Pelham's, who was considering writing a biography on John Pelham, the following on August 24,1869: "I have read carefully the Romance (Surry of Eagle's Nest) by John Eston Cook [sic] and find all he says in the historical part concerning John Pelham is true." This letter is in the Alabama Department of Archives and History in Montgomery.
This article first appeared in Volume 4, No. 1 of The Cannoneer.
